The Guest List: Gabriele Poso's rhythm-heavy grooves for dancefloor moods

Percussion maestro and multi-instrumentalist Gabriele Poso steps up to serve a carefully chosen selection of percussion-heavy jams to rouse the spirits of Mixmag Asia readers.

The Italian artist has a boundless affinity to the effervescent power of rhythm, so it's of little surprise that his vibrant Guest List picks are overflowing with dance-ready dynamism. Born on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia and fuelled by his family's soul, jazz, and Afro-Latin record collection, Poso had a profound connection with music from an early age. After initially concentrating his efforts on the guitar, his true calling revealed itself when he first began experimenting with percussion instruments. Following spells honing his skills in Puerto Rico and Cuba, he embarked upon his production career, with his first release 'From The Genuine World' arriving via Osunlade's Yoruba Soul label. With further acclaimed albums landing on revered labels Soundway, BBE, Agogo Records and more, his most recent long-player, 'Tamburo Infinito' was released on Wonderwheel Recordings in October this year.

On top of his impeccable recorded work, Poso is the music director of Osunlade's Yoruba Soul Orchestra, DJs internationally at the world's most discerning venues and festivals, and hosts a regular residency on Worldwide FM. Who better, then, to deliver a set of pulsating world rhythms to enliven weary spirits and move dance-hungry feet?

As ever, clear some space in your living room, office, bedroom or kitchen, turn the speakers up loud, and hit play on this exquisite collection of tunes chosen for Mixmag Asia by the talented Mr Poso.

"Naco is one of my favourite Italian percussionists, incredible musical vision. This is from the only album he released before his untimely death, coming out on Soleluna Records, owned by Italian pop star, Jovanotti."

"The pioneer number one master percussionist who attracted the attention to the dance/club culture. This is my favourite track, incredible intertwined rhythms."

"Chano is a super talented percussionist from Cuba – the first who came to New York and add the conga drum to Jazz Orchestra. This is one of the first recording he made with James Moody."

"My everyday mantra from Hermeto, a huge visionary from Brazil. The way we think and our thoughts are our reality. My everyday exercise is to keep them in the sunny side of my brain."

"Another killer track on the dancefloor, I love the intuition from hip hop to samba using just percussion sound. Brilliant."

"Osunlade is my mentor and is an important part of my career and my personal life. We recorded this song in Ibiza, we had so much fun shooting the video clip."

"The song I had been playing the most in my DJ sets, a banger bringing super sunny vibes to the dance floor. It reflects Nicko's spirit and I'm super happy to have met him and started a collaboration with his label for my new album release."

"Dedicated to the Yemanya 'Sea Goddess' taken from Kiko Navarro album Afroterraneo, on which I had the pleasure to having played the percussion parts."

"One of my favourite albums of music for ceremonies, an audio documentary from the Canboble religion from Brazil. A must."

"New single from my new album 'Tamburo Infinito' that came out via Wonderwheel Records, recording mostly everything myself post the first lockdown. An ode to joy and dance."

Thanks to Gabriele for this wonderful selection. You can check his new album 'Tamburo Infinito' via the Wonderheel Records Bandcamp page here